Ghana’s tertiary campuses have witnessed a fresh celebration of youthful creativity following the launch of NESCAFÉ Campus Groove: My Coffee, My Vibe, a new singing and dance competition aimed at giving young talents a platform to shine.
The maiden edition attracted aspiring performers from tertiary institutions across the country, setting the stage for a highly competitive search for outstanding singers and dancers.
What began with auditions and elimination stages eventually produced 18 finalists, comprising nine singers and nine dancers, who earned the opportunity to compete before a live audience for top honours.
The finalists faced two rounds of competition in each category, with the pressure increasing at every stage. By the final phase, only four singers and four dancers remained in the race, each seeking to make history as the first winners of the NESCAFÉ Campus Groove competition.
Adding expertise and credibility to the contest was a three-member judging panel made up of DanceGod Lloyd, a recognised force in Ghana’s new-generation dance culture; celebrated singer Adina Thembi; and award-winning rapper Strongman.
The singers brought vocal strength, personality and stage confidence to their performances, while the dancers responded with high-energy routines characterised by originality, skill and impressive choreography.
The event also reflected a broader shift in how brands engage young people, with NESCAFÉ using the platform to create opportunities for students to showcase abilities that extend beyond the classroom.
Lily Boatema Ntim, Category Development Manager for NESCAFÉ, said the initiative was created with the aspirations of young consumers in mind.
“Young consumers want more than just a product experience when you come on campus. They want to have an impact, they want platforms where they can express themselves, and they want to connect with their passions. And that is what NESCAFÉ is offering.”
In the singing contest, Joshuanda emerged as the standout performer of the night and was crowned the first winner of the category.
The victory came with a *GH₵30,000* cash prize and NESCAFÉ products. Kweku Winna was adjudged second and received *GH₵10,000, while This Kid completed the top three with a **GH₵5,000* prize.
The competition demonstrated the depth of creative talent within Ghana’s tertiary institutions, while giving participants an avenue to gain visibility and experience in a competitive entertainment environment.
For NESCAFÉ, the initiative represents an opportunity to build stronger connections with young people by creating spaces where they can pursue their interests and express their individuality.
As the curtain came down on the first edition, the energy, creativity and confidence displayed by the contestants suggested that Ghana’s campuses are home to a new generation of performers ready for bigger stages.
NESCAFÉ Campus Groove could therefore evolve into a significant talent-discovery platform, helping promising young singers and dancers move from campus performances towards wider opportunities in Ghana’s entertainment industry.
